Project Management - MSc
Our MSc Project Management course will help you gain the administrative, organisational and creative skills you’ll need to become one of tomorrow’s leading managers.
Studying with us in 2021/22
It is possible that the 2021/22 academic year may be affected by the ongoing disruption caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. Information about the arrangements the University has put in place for the 2021/22 academic year in response to Covid-19 and the emerging variants can be found here.
Should the impact of Covid-19 continue in subsequent years of your course, any additional and/or alternative arrangements put in place by the University in response will be in accordance with the latest government public health advice, pandemic-related/health and safety legislation, and the terms and conditions of the student contract.
- Level Postgraduate Taught
- Study mode Full Time/Part Time
- Location City Centre
- Award MSc
- Start date September 2021, January 2022
- Fees View course fees
- School School of Engineering and the Built Environment
- Faculty Faculty of Computing, Engineering and The Built Environment
Course overview
Our MSc Project Management course will help you gain the administrative, organisational and creative skills you’ll need to become one of tomorrow’s leading managers.
What's covered in this course?
The course will encourage creative thinking, and the development of leadership and management skills through teamwork, discussion and peer review. You’ll develop new skills to an advanced level, becoming a highly-skilled manager capable of administering major projects within and across different organisations.
In addition to further academic research opportunities, career prospects are expected to keep pace with the rapid advances in project management methods and intelligent based technologies, hence, there is expected to be continuing demand for competent, versatile postgraduates who can design and implement innovative solutions for industry
Tailor your degree
The Professional Placement version of the course is optional and is offered as an alternative to the standard version of the course. This will allow you to complete a credit bearing, 20 week Professional Placement as an integral part of your Master’s Degree. The purpose of the Professional Placement is to improve your employability skills which will, through the placement experience, allow you to evidence your professional skills, attitudes and behaviours at the point of entry to the postgraduate job market.
Why Choose Us?
- Accredited Course – This course is accredited by the Association of Project Management (APM).
- Route to continue professional development - This programme will offer a route towards membership from APM (Association of Project Management) and PMI (Project Management Institute).
- Professional placement option – Gain desirable employability skills with the option of a professional placement version of the course.
- Develop transferable skills- You will learn the skills you need to succeed within the industry, as well as valuable transferrable attributes.
- Industry-standard facilities and equipment - You will be based at the impressive City Centre campus. The £114 million Millennium Point building boasts a wide range of industry-standard facilities, software and equipment.
- Highly Employable Graduates - Our graduates have secured roles and promotions at WEG Electric Motors (U.K.) Ltd, Ishida Europe, DHL Manufacturing Logistics Services, Palletways UK, APL Logistics, and BAE Systems.
Where our students go
Our students have gone on to work with companies such as:
- Dynamic Network Maintenance
- University Birmingham Hospital Trust
And in jobs such as:
- Communication Assistant
- Clinical Auditor in HIV
Entry Requirements
Essential Requirements
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We would normally expect you to hold at least a Second Class Honours degree. |
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We can also consider your application without standard entry qualifications if you can provide evidence of the necessary knowledge and skills to successfully complete the course. |
Fees & How to Apply
- UK students
- International students
Award: MSc
Starting: Sep 2021
- Mode
- Duration
- Fees
- Full Time
- 12 months
- £7,700 per year
- Full Time
- 18 months with Professional Placement (see below*)
- £8,500 per year
- Part Time
- 20 months
- £3,900 per year
Award: MSc
Starting: Jan 2022
- Mode
- Duration
- Fees
- Full Time
- 12 months
- £7,700 per year
- Full Time
- 18 months with Professional Placement (see below*)
- £8,500 per year
- Part Time
- 28 months
- £3,900 per year
Award: MSc
Starting: Sep 2021
- Mode
- Duration
- Fees
- Full Time
- 12 months
- £13,200 per year
- Full Time
- 18 months with Professional Placement (see below*)
- £14,520 per year
Award: MSc
Starting: Jan 2022
- Mode
- Duration
- Fees
- Full Time
- 12 months
- £13,200 per year
- Full Time
- 18 months with Professional Placement (see below*)
- £14,520 per year
If you're unable to use the online form for any reason, you can complete our PDF application form and equal opportunities PDF form instead.
Professional Placement option*
The Professional Placement option will allow you to complete a credit bearing, 20 week Professional Placement as an integral part of your Master’s Degree. The purpose of the Professional Placement is to improve your employability skills which will, through the placement experience, allow you to evidence your professional skills, attitudes and behaviours at the point of entry to the postgraduate job market. Furthermore, by completing the Professional Placement, you will be able to develop and enhance your understanding of the professional work environment, relevant to your chosen field of study, and reflect critically on your own professional skills development within the workplace.
You will be responsible for finding and securing your own placement. The University, however, will draw on its extensive network of local, regional and national employers to support you in finding a suitable placement to complement your chosen area of study. You will also benefit from support sessions delivered by Careers+ as well as advice and guidance from your School.
Placements will only be confirmed following a competitive, employer-led selection process, therefore the University will not be able to guarantee placements for students who have registered for the ‘with Professional Placement’ course. All students who do not find a suitable placement or do not pass the competitive selection process will be automatically transferred back to the standard, non-placement version of the course.
Personal statement
Students are required to submit a personal statement as part of their application for this course.
Your postgraduate personal statement is going to shine a light on your personal experience, academic success, personal skills and any other factors that will support your application for further study.
Here are the key areas you’ll need to address:
Your passion and motivations
Studying a postgraduate course usually means you want to specialise in something. So what’s driving you?
Why this course?
Show that you’ve researched the course offering. What is it about this particular course that appeals to you? Is it the lecturers? The modules? Etc.
What makes you a good postgraduate candidate?
Tutors want to know that you can handle postgraduate study, so show them how your undergraduate experiences or work life has equipped you for a more advanced level of study. Key areas to address are research and group work but this can vary depending on your chosen course.
Relevant academic or work experience
Add anything relevant that relates back to your chosen course and shows how your skills will contribute towards your learning. What extra-curricular activities have you taken part in? What awards have you won? What employment or voluntary experience do you have that has helped you develop transferable skills? How do these specifically relate to the course you are applying for?
You should also mention your future plans and how a postgraduate qualification fits in. Try to look beyond your postgraduate study – do you plan to jump straight into a specific career or follow your studies with a research degree? Lastly, use plain, professional English and, where possible, utilise the language of your chosen industry.
Get more information on writing personal statements.
Course in Depth
Master's
In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 180 credits):
20 credits
The module aims to provide you with a foundation for academic research skills employed in all modules, but particularly the master’s dissertation. This will enhance your learning experience providing a research output which is both industrially relevant, and contributes academic value to the research base of your chosen industry.
20 credits
This module will focus on resource management and its effective deployment and allocation to achieve sustainable competitive advantage for organisations. Two main resources will be considered: HUMAN and FINANCIAL; without which, organisational success cannot be guaranteed.
You will be introduced to theoretical concepts underpinning resource development and deployment such as, human capital development, change management, motivational theories, learning organisations, financial methods, investment appraisal, budgeting, alongside financial and management accounting.
20 credits
All organisations need input of good and services from external suppliers or providers. This module will examine the developing role of purchasing and procurement within the supply function, in managing these inputs in which the activity can contribute to the efficiency of the organisation or project. Using contract law and its relevant legal duties, rights and processes, you will understand the underpinning contractual obligations for individuals and organisation.
20 credits
This module will provide you with the opportunity to undertake a critical evaluation of supply chain management and its links to the marketplace, the distribution networks, the manufacturing process and the procurement activity required; ensuring that customers are served at high levels by lowering operational costs through effective logistics and supply chain operations.
20 credits
Project management is the application of processes, methods, knowledge, skills and experience to achieve the project objectives (PMBoK, 6th Ed. (2012). Project management is key to delivering strategic value within an organisation and it involves far more than a time plan, a budget and a risk register.
20 credits
This module provides particular focus on global strategic positioning, entry strategies and alliances, effective cross-cultural boundaries and management; developing and retaining an effective global management for products and services for globalisation. The module will reflect on current research, current events and global developments and include many company examples alongside international marketing theory, norms and practices for implementation.
60 credits
The purpose of the module is to enable you to undertake a sustained, in-depth and research-informed Level 7 project exploring an area that is of personal interest to you. In agreement with your supervisor, you will decide upon your topic which will take the form of a practical outcome (artefact) with accompanying contextual material. The main consideration when choosing your topic is that it must be aligned to the programme you are studying and informed by the research strategy of your school, and you should consider the relevance of this topic to your future academic or professional development.
A range of assessment methods are employed with associated assessment criteria. Knowledge and skills are assessed, formatively and summatively, by a number of methods such as coursework, examinations (seen and unseen, open and closed-book), presentations, practical assignments, vivas, online forums, podcasts and project work.
Lectures are used to introduce themes, theories and concepts, which are further explored in seminars. Technology enhanced learning is used, where appropriate, through the provision of online resources, discussion forums and other activities. Advanced textbooks are used, together with professional material and journal articles, in order to ensure that students develop a critical understanding of work at the forefront of their discipline.
You’ll also a gain of range of valuable transferrable skills, such as time management, organisation, problem solving and more.
You will also be supported by a personal tutor based at the University, who will see you for regular one-to-one meetings. These meetings will generally take place at the beginning of each semester and at the end of the academic year.
Professional Placement option
The Professional Placement option will allow you to complete a credit bearing, 20 week Professional Placement as an integral part of your Master’s Degree. The purpose of the Professional Placement is to improve your employability skills which will, through the placement experience, allow you to evidence your professional skills, attitudes and behaviours at the point of entry to the postgraduate job market. Furthermore, by completing the Professional Placement, you will be able to develop and enhance your understanding of the professional work environment, relevant to your chosen field of study, and reflect critically on your own professional skills development within the workplace.
You will be responsible for finding and securing your own placement. The University, however, will draw on its extensive network of local, regional and national employers to support you in finding a suitable placement to complement your chosen area of study. You will also benefit from support sessions delivered by Careers+ as well as advice and guidance from your School.
Placements will only be confirmed following a competitive, employer-led selection process, therefore the University will not be able to guarantee placements for students who have registered for the ‘with Professional Placement’ course. All students who do not find a suitable placement or do not pass the competitive selection process will be automatically transferred back to the standard, non-placement version of the course.
Accreditation
APM Academic Accreditation
This course has achieved Academic Accreditation from the Association of Project Management. APM Academic Accreditation helps students and professionals choose the best education in support of their project management careers.
Employability
The programme has achieved academic accreditation from the Association of Project Management (APM). This accreditation has been achieved in recognition for demonstrating that the key principles set out in the APM Body of Knowledge (6th Edition) have been incorporated and integrated into curriculum design and module development of the programme. The teaching and learning on the programme focuses and emphasises the importance of the Body of Knowledge and ensures that we incorporate it within the guiding principles underpinning the programme.
OpportUNIty
OpportUNIty: Student Jobs on Campus ensures that our students are given a first opportunity to fill many part-time temporary positions within the University. This allows you to work while you study with us, fitting the job around your course commitments. By taking part in the scheme, you will gain valuable experiences and employability skills, enhancing your prospects in the job market.
It will also allow you to become more involved in University life by delivering, leading and supporting many aspects of the learning experience, from administration to research and mentoring roles.
International Students
Birmingham City University is a vibrant and multicultural university in the heart of a modern and diverse city. We welcome many international students every year – there are currently students from more than 80 countries among our student community.
The University is conveniently placed, with Birmingham International Airport nearby and first-rate transport connections to London and the rest of the UK.
Our international pages contain a wealth of information for international students who are considering applying to study here, including:
- Explore some of the good reasons why you should study here.
- Find out how to improve your language skills before starting your studies.
- Find all the information relevant to applicants from your country.
- Learn where to find financial support for your studies.
Facilities and Staff
Our Facilities
We are constantly investing in our estate and are currently in the process of spending £340 million on new learning facilities.
Building work on our new Conservatoire began in the summer of 2015 – and is scheduled for completion in summer 2017. This, along with the construction of a new city centre accommodation block, means our students have access to their very own building sites.
We couple this with the more traditional, office-based facilities:
Surveying equipment
Part of your learning activity will be hands-on, including carrying out survey work using a range of equipment, such as levels, theodolites, measuring tapes.
Computer Assisted Design (CAD)
You will be provided with the latest CAD software – free of charge – to enable you to acquire the skills you need in a modern design office.
Our staff
Mrs Poonam Aulak
Associate Professor
Poonam is Programme Leader for MSc Project Management and MSc International Project Management. She currently teaches modules on these programmes and has previously taught on undergraduate BSc and BEng programmes. Subjects include: project management, financial and management accounting, budgeting and cost control, forecasting and research methods to name a few.
Poonam has recently published findings of her research on internationalisation of higher education at conferences such as:
- Logistics Research Network: University of Derby
- Manufacturing Engineering Education Group: University of Cambridge
- Education Doctoral Research Conference: University of Birmingham